COATESVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Virtual Meeting through Live Stream
October 27th 2020 - 7:00 PM
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM
(Comments on agenda items) Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org State your name, address and township of residence.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT/ PRESENTATIONS
Hybrid Plan - Tomás Hanna
The re-opening plan for schools was reviewed. Please read the District Update newsletter from 10/28/2020 to reference important information on returning to hybrid.
(Click to Read the 10/28/2020 District Update Newsletter)
2021-2022 Budget Presentation - Tomás Hanna and Lori Diefenderfer
Mr. Hanna stated that the final budget is due in June, with a specific timeline leading up to that. A decision will be made in January as to whether an Act 1 Opt Out Resolution (stating the board will not raise taxes above the Act 1 index of 3.9% for the 2021/2022 school year) will be chosen or a preliminary budget will be shown at that time. There will be a retreat in December for the board to discuss the budget.
A chart was displayed showing a steady decrease in student enrollment since 2014, and projected to continue. In about 5 years, charter school enrollment will equal public school enrollment.
Mr. Hanna explained "This is the crux of our budget issues, the continuing escalation of the costs for our charter school students. Costs for charter schools have nearly doubled over the past 6 years and without a legislative fix, the financial outlook for the district is bleak." Noting as well, the dispute with the charter school on the recalculation of costs for 2019/2020. An appeal with the department of education is currently awaiting a hearing date.
Reviewing the budget from 2019/2020, the district overspent in 2 areas. Overspent by 15 million in support of other schools, and 1.5 million in professional services. To help balance the budget, a debt was refinanced to save 5 million, reserve funds of 5 million were utilized, and general spending was under by 1.5 million.
Looking forward, the general fund balance is now negative. The board will need to seriously consider a tax increase. The debt repayment schedule was shown, noting that payments in 2023 will be about double what they are in 2021 and 2022, requiring planning now. Looking at category breakdown of the budget, 36% is staffing cost, but the largest part of the budget is 37% for charter schools.
Andrew Finkbohner - Asked for clarity on the overspending on professional services of 1.5million in 2019/2020 budget.
Lori Diefenderfer - Answered that it was for special ed and CCIU services.
Andrew Finkbohner - Asked for clarity on the 9 million dollar fund balance increase from 2016/17 to 2017/18, followed by a decrease of 7 million dollars in 2018/19
Lori Diefenderfer - Answered that it was from a sale/leaseback done with Mr. Ammerman. The proceeds were for 13.3 million which helped with the general fund balance for the 2017/18 year.
ITEMS HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA
FINANCE COMMITTEE
C. Insuritel - Insurance for Chromebooks - That the Board of School Directors approve the renewal with Insuritel for insurance on 1-to-1 Chromebooks for 14 months at a cost of $113,418.60, as presented. (Confidential enclosure.)
Comments/discussion:
Andrew Finkbohner – was this the same provider as last year and the cost relative to the cost we paid last year?
Mr. Hanna – Yes, same company as last year and the cost is slightly
less than last year.
Passed ☒ Failed ☐ Vote: 9-0
OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
B. Jani-King – One-Time Charge Contract for Cleaning Service - That the Board of School Directors approve the monthly contract with Jani-King to provide the District with 12 custodial workers/cleaners five days per week, eight hours per day per person for a total monthly charge of $42,977.18. Jani-King will provide labor, uniforms, and background checks. The duration is for a period of three months and can be extended, as presented. (No Enclosure)
Comments/discussion:
Rob Fisher asked Hanna to expand on the contract.
Mr. Hanna said the initial contract is for three months with option to
extend month to month. They are being hired to ensure that the district
is ready for student and staff return and to keep buildings clean
throughout the week.
Rob Fisher asked if CARES Act money will be covering the cost.
Mr. Hanna replied that it would be.
Andrew Finkbohner asked about the schedules of the contracted employees.
Dan Pellegrin - Mixture of three schedules depending on the school. Most will have day/ evening overlap with our custodians.
Passed ☒ Failed ☐ Vote: 9-0
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM
(Comments on any school-related topics) Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org State your name, address and township of residence. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes. It is the Board’s practice not to engage in dialogue with speakers.
INFORMATIONAL
Henry Assetto Wanted to thank Mr. Chenger and Mr Jones for reaching out for applicants for the academic team.
Andrew Finkbohner Thanked Mr. Chenger for providing such great oversight for the last two home football games.
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